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A short history ...

The name "Talmont" first appeared in a text from 1025. In the 13th Century it was written two ways : "Talemont and "Tahlmont". According to linguists, the origin of the  name is pre Indo-European; "Tala" signifies "land, clay" and would indicate that a settlement has existed on this promontory since the beginning of time.

Inhabited since the earliest of times, Talmont, with its wooden fort, became a town of renown in about the year 1000 AD. In the Middle Ages the Talmont area was powerful, boasting its imposing fortress by the sea and its prince, Richard the Lionheart. In 1628, when threatened by the English and the Protestants, the fortress was demolished under orders from Cardinal Richelieu. Over time, the sea withdrew, leaving the Talmont community nothing but dreams of its illustrious past. Today, the ruins of the castle still overlook the town and are well worth a visit.